Rider Tim Clark ponders the true heights reachable by advancing sprinter Axius and relishes the upcoming stakes trial at Randwick.

The gelding, aged four, enters Saturday’s Group 3 Liverpool City Cup (1300m) off his eye-catching January score in the Magic Millions Sprint (1200m) at the Gold Coast, partnered by Clark.

“He’s been a horse that has been threatening to do something like he did,” Clark said.

“He’s a big, tough, headstrong Justify gelding who really enjoyed riding the back of that good speed at the Gold Coast.

“It was a dominant performance up there and he still gets into this race with a very light weight.”

Saturday sees Axius with 53.5kg minimum, while Coal Crusher bears the heaviest 58kg burden.

The field includes The Instructor, who followed Axius home at the Gold Coast but has shaped well afterwards, runner-up in a Sydney Group event and respectable in fourth to top liner Autumn Glow during the Apollo Stakes (1400m).

Through The Instructor’s efforts, Clark foresees Axius competing effectively.

“He’s an interesting runner to see where he measures up,” Clark said of his mount.

“He beat The Instructor home at the Gold Coast and meets him better at the weights on Saturday.

“This race on Saturday is probably going to decide his future plans through the autumn and the winter and how high they can aim with him. But he has barely put a foot wrong during his career, and they’ve been very patient with him, so they’re getting the rewards now.”

Trainer Ciaron Maher has Axius entered for Sydney autumn riches like the Group 1 T J Smith Stakes (1200m) and Doncaster Mile (1600m).

Fans can find competitive offers in the betting sites for Liverpool City Cup action.